Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

1961 vintage. Ahoy there! Lower neck fill. Durand employed. Opened (not decanted) with plenty of cork splintering/crumbles despite the Durand and meticulous/slow movements. Cork stayed intact but just barely and about 80% saturated. Extensive (3-4 minutes) cleaning of the bottle lip and inch-deep, upper neck to remove fused cork residue. Tasted 45 mins, 2 hours, 4 hours and 6 hours after opening. Heavier body than expected given the producer. A bit of a slap in the face as it rolled in as medium/medium-heavy body which is hilarious. Nose initially a mysterious, century+ sitting room with plenty of decay, dust and past. Things shifted to soy/teriyaki sauce fairly shortly after with a little 5-10 minute fried chicken nose that vanished. Various (dark/semi-sweet) chocolates and cherry reduction sauce eventually emerged. A paced, harmonious narrative stayed constant throughout. Gorgeous experience. Didn't exactly diminish my impressions of H-B being the best first growth in BDX. It's generally the lightest and least-flashy. 1.23.26. — 4 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.2

8.1% ABV but does not taste hot, v enjoyable double hazy IPA by Narrative Fermentations in San Jose, CA ! Purchased from The Refuge in San Carlos. — 2 years ago

JKT

9.1

A really nice Langhe that is plain delicious and quaffable but gives you enough to ponder and “taste” if you so desire, which makes you take another sip with another bite, then OMG the half bottle mark is in sight! Delightful! Purity, transparency and liveliness rule. What a value for about 20 and GL narrative. Hope more are stashed! — 4 years ago

Ericsson

8.9

This is just like the picture describes, a simple wine meant to be had in streetside bistros with hearty dishes in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. It is a narrative of place and practice. It brings together the timeless qualities of Tannat while showcasing a refined approach to blending and maturation which truly refines one of the strongest varietals in the world. — a year ago

Austin Moberg

10

This thing is special tastes like a raspberry and cherry pie with a big scoop of ice cream with an overarching sweetness from the milk sugar and not hints of that it literally tastes like that absolutely delicious Iv had a lot of sours and this is the peak — 2 years ago

Melany Davidson

10

So good!! Drank with Kenzie and Adam Apr 25 — 4 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

AleSmith/Pizza Port collaboration. Delicious but the restrained/clinically beautiful AleSmith narrative/style horse-collars the punkish/raw PP influence a bit too much, Was expecting a bit more hop spiciness but, alas, no such offering. — 4 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2022 vintage. Via Coravin. Medium-heavy body. Well made and delicious yet nothing specifically and currently driving the bus during the field trip. Needed more back-end action but not evident on the finish. Seems like an hour or three in a decanter would do this some justice and completely change this constructed narrative. 02.26.25. — a year ago

Ericsson

9.3

This is a layered narrative of dark fruits, a dash of black pepper, and that unmistakable hint of smoky earth. And undeniably funky. It’s not just about boldness; it’s about a refined grit, a raw elegance that speaks of rugged vineyards and uncompromising craftsmanship. — a year ago

Aaron Tan

9.0

A solid first encounter from this up-and-comer producer from Lombardia. According to the importer, Nicola’s bubbles are on “every” top restaurant wine list in Italy. Wow, I can see why - Nicola sports the right narrative (natty, maverick), but the proof was in the bottle itself! The Quattrocento, which is Nicola’s late disgorged offering (40 months on lees), could easily give many Champagne’s a good run for their money. It was textural, incisive, and expectedly leaned more towards an oxidative and autolytic profile, with flavours of pastry, almonds, baked apples, and hints of spice. Admittedly, I was looking for a little more length and intensity, but the wine had good energy and drank with little resistance. A win for me! — 4 years ago